But at a crossing guard training seminar on Nov. 21, White was informed by his lead guard and a supervisor from the City of Peterborough that high-fives were no longer allowed.

"I objected to this rule," White says, "but we are not to have any physical contact with the children."

White thinks the rule is "silly", because not only did kids enjoy giving high-fives, but their parents were also present.

Parent Jason Hartwick says kids love the high-fives. "Bill gave them high-fives all last week, and all year, and for years before that. Monday morning, he said, 'I can't give high-fives any more. We were told we had to stop.'"

"Both of the guards near our school (Prince of Wales) have been giving high-fives for at least seven years," Hartwick adds. "I know this because I've had kids there that long. It has never been an issue, nobody has ever said a word about them doing it, and the kids love it."

We asked the City of Peterborough about this policy and received this reply from Kevin Jones, manager of transportation:

"The City of Peterborough's policy for crossing guards restricts all forms of physical contact between Crossing Guards and children, and has for some time now. The duties of an adult crossing guard are governed by the Highway Traffic Act of Ontario, and the guard's primary responsibility is to stop approaching vehicles to allow safe passage of all persons, including themselves, across the roadway.

While on duty the Crossing Guard's responsibility is to be fully aware of the intersection or crossing location and all of its surroundings, including approaching vehicles and children on both sides of the crossing. Any distractions can reduce focus and attention of the Crossing Guard while they are working. In order to perform the duties of a Crossing Guard, they need to be 100% focussed on their job.

Physical contact between the Crossing Guard and the children is not only a distraction to the guard, but may have other implications as well. It is for this reason our policy restricts all physical contact between guards and children to ensure that distractions, which could potentially affect safety, do not take place while on duty."

What do you think about the policy? Should crossing guards like White be allowed to high-five students? Or is this a smart policy to protect kids? Let us know in the comments below: